Pirates Notes: Walker, McCutchen, Alvarez

The Pirates put a finishing touch on their offseason yesterday, agreeing to terms with Andrew McCutchen on a six year, $51.5MM contract extension. Here's the latest on the Pirates, starting with some reactions to the McCutchen deal…

Neil Walker told Michael Sanserino of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Pittsburgh is lucky to have McCutchen under long-term control (allTwitterlinks). Walker, an extension candidate himself, told Sanserino that he'd also like to sign a long-term deal with the Pirates. So far extension talks haven’t gone very far, according to Walker.

Dave Cameron of FanGraphs agrees with Walker, writing that Pirates fans should "dance in the streets" to celebrate the contract that will keep McCutchen in Pittsburgh for his prime.

Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has the yearly breakdown of McCutchen's contract (Twitter link).

ESPN.com's Buster Olney told Joe Giardina of Pittsburgh Sports Report that the Pirates are having trouble luring free agents to Pittsburgh. "They seem to be picking from just a different menu than some of the other teams," Olney said.

Olney added that Pedro Alvarez is the most important player to the 2012 Pirates since he could break out into a star or continue to struggle.

Teams should be able to lock up their superstars, just like in this case. Pittsburgh got a heck of a deal if you ask me. It’s a shame that the Cards lost Pujols, the Brewers lost Prince, and soon the Reds losing Votto. I’m happy for Pittsburgh, and hopefully they’ll also be able to lock up local-boy Neil Walker sometime soon.

Ah man. Such nice sentiment that now I have to hope the Reds somehow keep Votto. As a Pirates fan that wants to win I want him gone, but I agree. Free Agency sucks, especially for small market teams. If the Reds do keep Votto I’ll grimace but nod appreciatively.

The McCutcheon signing will go a long way in re establishing Pittsburgh as a major league city. His permanence will draw other top of the line talent to commit to playing for the Pirates for the long run. This could be their initial step in moving above 4A status.